Ohio State Commit Graf Leads Anthony Wayne Generals to State Finals

AKRON, Ohio — The Anthony Wayne Generals faced Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit in a Division II state baseball semifinal on Friday, with hopes of advancing to the championship game on Saturday at Canal Park.

The Generals secured their spot in the semifinals after a thrilling 4-3 win over Loveland, where Mason Dzierwa’s single brought Ben Nieckarz home in the 11th inning. Anthony Wayne has been a dominant force this season, defeating Edgewood 3-2 in the regional semifinals and shutting out Sylvania Northview with a strong two-hitter thrown by Ohio State commit Owen Graf.

Graf, a key player for the Generals, has pitched extensively during the tournament, tallying 14 innings with just six hits and two earned runs, along with 19 strikeouts. Anthony Wayne is seeking its first state title after finishing as runners-up in 2018.

On the other side, Walsh Jesuit advanced to the semifinals after a dramatic walk-off home run by Andrew Holcomb secured a 2-1 victory over Stow-Munroe Falls. The Warriors went on to defeat Lakewood 7-0 in the regional finals. Alabama commit Shawn Sullivan has been a solid pitcher for Walsh Jesuit, allowing only one earned run in 11 innings throughout the tournament.

New Albany, another strong contender, enters Saturday’s game with an impressive pitching record, having not allowed a single run in four tournament games. Their latest victory came against Big Walnut, ending in a 6-0 score. With this kind of strength, they also aim to secure their state championship.

Amherst Steele marks a milestone by reaching the Final Four for the first time in school history. They have had a memorable season, highlighted by a comeback win against Riverside in the district finals, establishing a record 28 wins this year.

The outcomes of these games will set the stage for the Division II state championship, where Anthony Wayne hopes to make history.